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“Ben, you are special to us as well.” Gabriella said and placed her hand on top of his. Catherine placed hers on top as well.
The doorbell rang breaking the moment. Ben got up and went to the door. Standing outside was Trish who was looking nervous. He let her in.
Trish missed the extra coats hanging on the hooks and immediately went into her apology when the door closed. Ben tried to get her attention but she missed that too
“Ben, I’m so sorry if I’ve upset you. I just wanted to show you how much it meant to me your bailing me out of my financial crisis. When I kissed you and you got so hard like that I just had to show Shelly because I love her so much and she could really make you feel good with her amazing mouth and like I said she really loves it-”
“TRISH! I have company!” Ben finally yelled to stop her.
Her mouth was open and her wide eyes darted to the entrance of the living room where Gabriella and Catherine appeared. They stood glaring at Trish with their arms crossed.
“oh god.” she peeped, her face shading to match her hair.
“Please! In the living room, now!” Ben growled.NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.
Trish kicked off her boots and Ben hung up her coat.
Gabriella and Catherine tried to sit next to Ben on the couch but he didn’t want this to look like he was ganging up on Trish. She made a mistake. He just wanted to clear the air. Trish took the chair facing the couch. He let Gabriella and Catherine take the couch then he shifted over to the ottoman between them and Trish.
“I’m flattered by the attention. I really am. I’m finding… I definitely have a weakness for beautiful women and you all qualify as that. My body seems to have a mind of its own. It acts like a freaking teenager! But I need to make something clear. I’m not looking for a girlfriend right now. I’m not much of a catch at the moment- Please… let me finish.” he said when all three started to protest.
“There has been an unprecedented increase in kissing in recent days. I went years without the touch of lips on mine and now the three of you… and Tina to be completely honest, seem to have made it your mission to reacquaint me with what I’ve been missing. You know, based on physical evidence, that I enjoy these moments but afterwards I’m left confused and worried I’ve led you on. It tears me up inside. I’m not promiscuous. I’m not a player. I’m having difficulty with the emotional context of all of this. With Tina, I’ve been bluntly honest in making it very clear that while I can help give her life structure and direction in the short term she understands that she and I will not be a couple. She deserves someone her own age. I’ve kissed Beth too but she knows we’re playing and it’s therapeutic, a way to bring her back to that fun vivacious woman she used to be.”
Ben looked deeply into the caring eyes of the three women in front of him. “But you three, you leave my heart is tied in knots. It’s far too easy to see myself falling in love again. I can’t. Not right now. I’m not worthy of any of you as I am. I’m terrified of hurting you. It would be Wendy all over again.”
He put his hands over his face and shuddered.
The three women looked at each other with worried eyes. They didn’t want to hurt Ben or each other. Trish was first to speak.
‘Ben, please don’t worry about me. I’m not hurt. I’m flattered that you could see yourself falling in love with me but please know I’m not looking for love right now either. I apologize for not making that clear before. For not understanding or even acknowledging your confusion. My heart is still stinging over John. I’m doing my best to just look out for myself for the next little while. You were right. I went from a very active sex life to complete celibacy and it shocked me. An important part of my life was missing and I tried to fill it with you. If you like you can think of what you did with me as what you did with Beth. Purely physical therapy to heal the soul. I loved it and I think you need it as well. It’s fun and it’s a close therapeutic connection to someone. That doesn’t make you a player, a bad attitude does. I’ll be there for you if you just want to have some no strings attached therapy. So will my cousin. Play your cards right we may even re-enact that story I told you. Anyway, I have to go. Think about it.” Trish patted his leg and let herself out.
Ben watched Trish go with reddened eyes, his embarrassment plain to see. He looked back at Gabriella and Catherine. “So, I didn’t understand the signals she was sending at all. I probably read your intentions wrong as well. GOD! I’m such an idiot! I’m so sorry for embarrassing you like that.”
Gabriella and Cat saw the Catch 22. It they admitted they wanted his love, he’d be torn about hurting one of them. If they denied their need, he’d be crippled with embarrassment.
Gabriella thought the best option was to delay the conversation. “Ben, it’s been a very emotional day. I think we should take some time to think. See how things look in the light of a new day. You sleep well. Thank you for opening up to us today. It was truly special.” She stood and pulled Catherine along with her.
Ben just watched them go, confused and emotionally exhausted.
When they got outside Catherine turned to her friend. “Are we doing the right thing?”
“Right now I don’t think there is a right thing.” she replied.